We'd like to introduce you to a new live series that Tape Swap Radio will be launching on Friday, July 14, 2017 called "Rooftop Sessions". We've partnered with The Alternative Gallery to record original live sessions on the roof of the four-story Cigar Factory building in Allentown. The Rooftop Sessions will feature HD video including aerial drone footage courtesy of our friend George Wacker.
Our first Rooftop Session is with Lehigh Valley gypsy/vaudeville/punk-inspired band This Way to the Egress and is set to premiere this Friday on WDIY 88.1 FM with video available online on Sunday, July 16th. The next ‘Rooftop Session’ will feature up-and coming Wilkes-Barre indie rock band Doghouse Charlie & The Buck Knife, set to premiere in August.
The Alternative Gallery director and Cigar Factory building superintendent, Brandon Wunder, has worked with Tape Swap Radio in the past and will be allowing Tape Swap exclusive access for recording on the Cigar Factory's roof.
“This project is the culmination of several years of collaborative foundation building efforts by Tape Swap Radio, the Alternative Gallery, and an assortment of unique creators in the area. Setting the performances against Allentown’s changing skyline serves as the perfect metaphor for the strengthening of the arts in our area. These sessions are a special way to exhibit the vibrant art and music community in the Lehigh Valley and literally raise them to a new platform.”
“[The Cigar Factory] is a building with deep roots in the Lehigh Valley’s music scene. From touring bands to local bands, the walls of this building have seen a lot of live music throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. I think it’s interesting that a project like this would find a home on the roof of this particular building.”
“We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to showcase the music of the Lehigh Valley’s thriving D.I.Y. and independent music scene. We’re hoping that our Rooftop Sessions will expose these bands to a wider audience.”
Other fourth anniversary initiatives launched by Tape Swap Radio include a redesigned website which will now serve as an archive for all 40+ sessions that Tape Swap Radio has recorded over the past four years, a quarterly zine documenting the Lehigh Valley music scene which will debut at LV Zine Fest on August 19th at 2nd Base Vintage in Easton, and a new season of bands recorded at the Shards recording studio in Bethlehem. Guests for Tape Swap Radio’s upcoming ‘Shards Sessions’ include Lehigh Valley bands Bad American, Poor Luther’s Bones, Daytime Cleaners, Small Mess, Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air, and more.